Can colon cancer occur in young people?

This is one of the questions that many people are interested in when visiting medical facilities, including public and international hospitals. To better understand this issue, let's find out some important information related to colorectal cancer (CRC). The article is provided by Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Van Khien - Deputy Director in charge of Digestive Endoscopy, Thu Cuc International General Hospital.

Colorectal cancer – a disease that is no longer strange

In the past, colorectal cancer mainly appeared in European and American countries. However, according to the latest statistics from international medical organizations such as the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE), the incidence of colorectal cancer in Asia, including Vietnam, is increasing significantly. One of the main causes identified is unscientific diet, consuming a lot of processed foods, grease and fast food.

In Vietnam, the incidence of colorectal cancer in women tends to be higher than in men. According to GLOBOCAN statistics, colorectal cancer used to be the fourth leading cause of death in women, but has now risen to the second position, after breast cancer. Faced with this situation, many countries, including Vietnam, have implemented cancer screening programs to detect the disease at an early stage, helping to increase treatment effectiveness.

Can colorectal cancer occur in young people?

So at what age is colorectal cancer considered to appear early? According to medical associations around the world , patients are considered to have early colorectal cancer when diagnosed at the age of ≤ 40. Some countries apply a threshold of under 50 years old.

However, clinical practice has recorded many cases of the disease at a very young age, even without obvious signs, only discovered by chance during a health check. Below is a typical case of patient VTA (34 years old) who was found to have colorectal cancer at Thu Cuc International General Hospital.

Summary of patient's medical record:

– Patient: VTA, born in 1991, married and has one child.

– Medical history: In the past 2 months, the patient has had a poor appetite and lost 2kg but no fever or nausea. No one in the family has had colorectal cancer and the patient has never had a colonoscopy.

– February 3, 2025: The patient was admitted to the emergency room due to severe abdominal pain but still had normal bowel movements and felt tired.

+ Clinical examination: Soft abdomen, no signs of inflammation, liver and spleen not enlarged.

+ Test: Normal blood biochemistry, slightly increased white blood cell index 12 G/L (normal 4-10 G/L).

+ Abdominal ultrasound and chest X-ray: No abnormalities detected.

– February 4, 2025: The patient was transferred to the Department of Functional Exploration - Endoscopy to perform anesthetic endoscopy of the stomach and colon as prescribed by the doctor.

+ Gastroscopy results: Normal.

+ Colonoscopy results: Detected a descending colon tumor near the splenic flexure, infiltrating and almost blocking the colon lumen.

+ Computed tomography (CT): Image of splenic flexure colon tumor, causing dilatation of the central colon, accompanied by abdominal lymph nodes and signs of liver metastasis.

Because the tumor had grown large, there was a risk of obstruction and metastasis, the patient was advised and prescribed comprehensive treatment, without tumor intervention during endoscopy.

Colonoscopy results

Expert advice

Colon cancer can occur in young people, even without a family history of the disease. The disease often progresses silently, without obvious symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms appear, most are already in the late stages. Regular screening is extremely important, helping to detect the disease early and improve treatment effectiveness. Digestive endoscopy is the most effective method to detect cancer early from the onset stage, helping to treat it effectively.

Thu Cuc TCI – A trusted address for colon cancer screening

Currently, colonoscopy with anesthesia using advanced technology such as narrow band imaging (NBI), early cancer diagnosis endoscopy (MCU) ... helps detect even very small lesions early. Thu Cuc International General Hospital has a team of experienced doctors and a modern equipment system, helping to accurately diagnose and effectively treat colorectal cancer. Be proactive in protecting your health by having regular health check-ups and gastrointestinal endoscopy as soon as there are signs of abnormalities!

Don't let cancer steal your health – Get screened today!

Source: https://benhvienthucuc.vn/ung-thu-dai-trang-co-the-xuat-hien-o-nguoi-tre-tuoi-khong/